HOW DOES REALITY TOWN ENCOURAGE BETTER SCHOOL PERFORMANCE?

By using GPA requirements in correlation with the educational requirements of the various careers, students who are not putting in their best effort at school may not be able to get the job they want in Reality Town such as students with a C average cannot become doctors, or lawyers. In using this system, students who are applying themselves can see the wide range of options available to them. On the other hand, students who are not putting forth their best effort in school are able to see their limited options, as well as possibly limited income potential. This has proven to be a substantial eye opener for many students who fail to see the connection between their current education and their future lifestyle. Countless students have commented, “I need to get better grades so that I can get a better job when I grow up.”  Through their own personal insight, they have found the motivation to perform better in school.

WHAT EDUCATIONAL CRITERIA DOES REALITY TOWN MEET?

The Reality Town curriculum is recognized as financial literacy curriculum as well as meet the requirements for Schools-To-Careers and Work-Based Learning.  Reality Town is also a great hands-on application for students learning budgeting, checkbook balancing, and career research.

WHAT GRADES SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN REALITY TOWN?

Reality Town is specifically designed for 8th and 9th grade students.  These students are mature enough to comprehend the financial  complexity of the program, yet young enough to have fun visualizing the imaginative mock-reality that they are a part of.  The program can be used with 7th graders, however, we recommend that this is only done towards the end of the school year.  At-risk teenagers in high school have also greatly benefited from the “wake-up call” that Reality Town provides. See Reality Town Variation for ideas for using with older students

 

CAN REALITY TOWN ADDRESS OTHER SOCIETAL ISSUES SUCH AS TEEN PREGNANCY, DIVORCE, AND DROPOUTS?

Reality Town not only teaches financial literacy skills and goal planning, the program is flexible enough to show students the repercussions of issues within their own community.  By customizing the family scenarios and careers to match each individual community, it is possible to show students first-hand the financial ramifications of issues such as teen pregnancy, divorce, and lack of education. ​

CAN I HOST REALITY TOWN AT MY SCHOOL?

Reality Town is for every school.  Each school hosts their own Reality Town, keeping the costs low, and catering the program to the individual needs of its students.  To implement Reality Town you simply purchase the materials, round up your volunteers and watch your students lives change.

CAN REALITY TOWN BE USED IN A CLASSROOM SETTING?

We offer a Classroom Set. We have also had schools that have run the program through a home room for a Term. However, for the students to fully experience the excitement and impact of the Reality Town program it is recommended that the Reality Town simulation be hosted as a two to three hour simulation in the school gym, cafeteria or other large gathering area.

DOES REALITY TOWN WORK FOR PRIVATE AND/OR PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS?

Reality Town is a great teaching tool for every school.  Reality Town has been used in schools with 25 students per grade up to schools with 600 students in a grade.  The program adapts to meet your needs and the needs of your students.

CAN MULTIPLE SCHOOL PARTICIPATE IN REALITY TOWN TOGETHER?

Schools, especially smaller schools, can combine their efforts and host one large Reality Town.  However, each school participating must be licensed to use the Reality Town program.  Also, make sure that you have a space large enough to accommodate the students and enough volunteers.  Multiple sessions each representing a school is a great way to share facilities, set-up and volunteers.

HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS DOES IT TAKE TO STAFF REALITY TOWN?

For a group of about 200-250 students, you need approximately 40 volunteers.  To accommodate fewer students, just use less volunteers.  To accommodate more students you will may either use more volunteers (given you have a large enough space), or divide the students into multiple sessions of 200-300 students.

HOW LONG DOES REALITY TOWN TAKE?

Student preparation for Reality Town begins about 4-6 weeks prior to the actual simulation with mini preparation lessons.  These preparation lessons consist of four brief 30-45 minute presentations on career research, resume writing, balancing a bank account and applying for a job.  The actual simulation takes approximately 2–3 hours depending on the number of students and volunteers.

WHAT DOES THE REALITY TOWN CURRICULUM KIT INCLUDE?

The Reality Town Curriculum Kit includes a Site License, Coordinator & Lesson Plan Manual, at least 3 Laminated Business Instructions for each of the 24 businesses in Reality Town, a copy of the Career List, 200-count Welcome To The Grocery Store Notepad, 200-count Grocery Store Membership, 25-count Job Application Rejection Notices, 2-self inking Insurance Stamps, 2 different Game Spinner Boards, and 5 different Card Sets. The other items you will need are Personalized Student Handbooks for each student and signs for each of your businesses. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO IMPLEMENT THE REALITY TOWN PROGRAM?

The first year you have the  purchase of the Reality Town Kit and site license. You will need to make or purchase signs for each of the 24 businesses and a Personalized Student Handbook for each student participating in your Reality Town. For Reality Town materials and site license see our order form.

After the 1st years start up cost the Reality Town program can be implemented year after year for around $2 per student.  The cost of the Personalize Student Handbook.

Update materials are released every 2 to 3 years to keep up with our ever changing economy, These are economically priced. The last update was only $60. Student handbooks with personalized pay stubs are the most reasonable priced text book around. District discounts are available for multi-school purchases, please call or email for a quote.

WHAT SET UP IS INVOLVED TO TURN MY GYM OR CAFETERIA INTO REALITY TOWN?

Reality Town set-up is simple yet effective. Signs indicating the various businesses, combined with tables and chairs, transform any large area into a fun, Reality Town. For an added feeling of a town, check out our Banners & Stands package. These banners and signs are light weight and easy to assemble and store. A district or several schools might want to consider sharing a set.

CAN I SEE REALITY TOWN IN ACTION?

To truly comprehend the full impact of Reality Town  and see the high energy of this engaging program, we would invite you to preview the program at a school near you.  Check the calendar or  email or call if you need additional information about a particular Reality Town Event.

801-824-REAL (7325) |  realitytown@msn.com